Bulgaria in Summer

Naturetrek Tour Report 26 July - 2 August 2014

Calliptamus italicus - a grasshopper Polyommatus (=Agrodiaetus) ripartii - Ripart's Anomalous Blue

View of part of Kresna Gorge pudicus/mediterraneus - a shieldbug species

Report and images by Alan Outen

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report in Summer

Tour participants: Alan Outen (leader) and Assen Ignatov (local) with 14 Naturetrek clients

Summary

As always on this tour, during the course of just a week we had enjoyed superb scenery, a wonderful range of wildlife and splendid hospitality. We saw an overall total of 710 identified species including 224 higher plants and 328 invertebrate species, of which 96 were butterflies and 65 as well as many other attractive and impressive dragonflies, bugs, etc. The interest shown by the group in Fungi resulted in 26 species being recorded: the highest total for this tour and pretty good for the time of year. It is always difficult to find on this tour this late in the season. The extremely high temperatures at the start of the week also did not help as birds sort cover, but we nonetheless managed an impressive total of 114 species, the second highest total ever for this tour. The wet weather and threat of thunderstorms whilst based in Bansko also necessitated some rearrangement and sadly meant that Bezbog had to be omitted from the itinerary.

Day 1 Saturday 26th July

Heathrow to Sofia, then to Melnik via stop at Verdena River Sunny on arrival in Sofia, hot, with maximum temperature 32°C Despite being a few minutes late taking off from Heathrow, we nonetheless arrived in Sofia a few minutes early at 1.20pm (BST +2), as is frequently the case with this route. After clearing immigration and reclaiming luggage, we quickly found Nikolay (our local representative who, on this occasion, was not accompanying us) and Assen in the arrivals hall. The bus was loaded up and by 2.15pm we were on our way.

After travelling for just half an hour we stopped at the Verdena River, a regular site for this tour and a productive introduction to some of the Bulgarian flora and fauna. We quickly sighted Silver-washed Fritillary, Common Glider, Great Banded Grayling, Freyer's Purple Emperor and Eastern Short-tailed Blue butterflies, soon followed by Lesser Spotted Fritillary, Meleager's Blue, Mountain Argus and Hungarian Glider among others. A Grayling specimen that I photographed has been identified by Prof. Stoyan Beshov (the leading lepidopterist in Bulgaria), as probably the rare Delatin's Grayling (Hipparcha volgensis). This species would need genitalia dissection to confirm it, but he does say that this site is a known locality for it so we will assume it is correct.

Balkan Goldenring, Small Pincertail and Beautiful Demoiselle were by the river with two bush crickets Poecilimon thoracicus and Tettigonia caudata, three species of longhorn and two snails with attractive shells Cepaea vindabonensis and Euomphalia strigella, adding further to the range of invertebrate interest. Birds seen included Lesser and Common Whitethroats and Honey Buzzard, whilst a Common Wall Lizard was also seen. Plants here included Soapwort, White Melilot, Childling Pink and Large leaved Spindle.

Time quickly evaporated and we had been here an hour and a half before the group was persuaded to get back on the bus and we drove on. After another 45 minutes we made a comfort stop where White Stork and Red- backed Shrike were observed, Clouded Yellow and Small Skipper added to the butterfly list, and a male Broad- bodied Chaser added to the dragonflies. We left here at just before 5pm and then stopped again for 25 minutes

© Naturetrek April 17 1

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

at 6.20pm to observe a Griffon Vulture colony in fading light. Crested Lark and Spanish Sparrows with nests were also noted here.

We eventually reached our hotel in Melnik at 7.45pm where, after checking in and a short while for people to sort themselves out, a very welcome, though rather late, evening meal was eaten outside. The briefing which followed was enlivened by the endemic subspecies of Kotschy's Gecko, attracted to the hotel wall lights. After a very long, though extremely productive and interesting day, all retired to their rooms.

Day 2 Sunday 27th July

Melnik; Rupite Hot Springs; near Hotovo Sunny, hot and dry with maximum temperature 35°C A very well attended pre-breakfast walk from the hotel gave sightings of Red-rumped Swallow, Crag Martin, Middle Spotted, Syrian and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Sombre Tit and Red-backed Shrike, as well as several common UK species. A Nightingale was singing but could not be located. An Oberthür’s Grizzled Skipper was a good addition to the butterfly list whilst the curious tiny lace-bugs Corythucha ciliata, specific to the of Plane , were also noted. The plants were not neglected either and these included Crimson , Pink Everlasting (Xeranthemum annuum), Delphinium balcanicum, Centaurea salonitana var. macrantha, Geranium macrorrhizum, and the yellow flowered Achillea coarctata.

After a satisfying breakfast, again eaten outside, we were all assembled by 9.05am ready to board the bus. Sightings of Crested Lark, Bee-eater and Black Stork enlivened the one hour drive to the remarkable hot springs at Rupite, where the water temperature can reach 74° C. This is always a very productive site and this year was no exception with Cirl , Olivaceous Warbler, Hoopoe, Lesser Grey Shrike, Long-legged Buzzard and close views of Bee-eaters among the highlights. Balkan Green Lizard, European Pond Tortoise and Marsh Frogs were also seen. The butterflies included Little Tiger Blue, Lesser Fiery Copper and Spotted Fritillary, while moths were represented by the Nine-spotted , the Noctuid cognata, the Plume Moth Capperia fusca and larvae of Spurge Hawk-moth. Dragonflies included Southern Skimmer and Scarlet Darter, with Banded Demoiselle and White-legged Damselflies. Among many other good were the attractive shieldbugs and Eurydema ornata, a large species Cremogaster scutellaris, a -hunting species lacerticida, two impressive bush-cricket species Tylopsis lilifolia and Eupholidoptera smyrnensis, the curious- looking long-nosed grasshopper Acrida mediterranea, a more conventionally shaped grasshopper Aiolopus thalassinus, nymphs of Egyptian Grasshopper and a much-photographed Cone-headed Mantis (Empusa fasciata). Plants noted here included Maltese Cross (Tribulus terrestris), Echium italicum, Portulaca oleracea, Scolymus hispanicus, Heliotropium europeum and Lavatera thuringiaca among many interesting species.

The high temperature meant that we took the opportunity to purchase cold drinks at the café, but being a Sunday the area was now very busy, so we moved on somewhere a bit quieter for our picnic lunch. Here we saw both Wasp Spider () and its curious relative A.lobata. Painted Lady butterflies and the large blue and red beetle Trichodes crabroniformis gave added invertebrate interest. We then moved on to a site near Hotovo where Large Grizzled and Mallow Skippers and Southern White Admiral were the stand-out butterflies, with the large Violet Carpenter Bee also a new species to many. Plants of Amorpha fruticosa (Bastard Indigo Bush) and the

2 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

aspen-associated bolete toadstool Leccinum aurantiacum were also of note. Other birds seen during the day included Black-eared Wheatear, Sparrow and Corn Bunting.

Hot and tired but well satisfied with the day, we returned to the hotel for showers, cool drinks and either a rest or an opportunity to explore the village, before an excellent 7pm dinner, eaten outside as always here, followed by a run through of the lists of species seen.

Day 3 Monday 28th July

Melnik; Kresna Gorge; above Illindentsi including a walk down to the Struma River Sunny, hot and dry with maximum temperature 35°C The pre-breakfast walk again produced Sombre Tit as well as Nightingale, Cirl Bunting, Hawfinch and Red- backed Shrike. A specimen of the distinctive and attractive Spider (Aculepeira ceropegia) was also seen.

After another substantial breakfast we left just after 9am and drove to Kresna Gorge, arriving shortly after 10am. This is one of the best natural history sites in Bulgaria, justly famous for its rich biodiversity and it is always well worth spending time here. Regrettably, the site is threatened by a major road development, which will be a tragedy. As always there was plenty of interest. Scarce Swallowtail, Tufted Marbled Skipper, Mallow Skipper, Sooty Copper, and Adonis Blue were among the many butterflies here, with several Humming-bird Hawk-moths much in evidence. Grasshoppers included Oedipoda caerulescens and O.miniata. The former shows blue-underwings when it , whilst in the latter these are bright red. Other insects of note included the bugs Odontotarsus robustus from the family Scutellaridae and Centrocoris spiniger one of the leather bugs, the classic Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa, the Crabronid wasp Bembix bidentata, the attractive long-horn beetle Chlorophorus varius and the orange and black Meloid beetle Mylabris variabilis. Cicadas kept up a constant cacophony of sound but as always were elusive to see. Among the more interesting plants here were the Christ's-thorn (Paliurus spina-cristi), Nettle Tree (Celtis australis), Echinops sphaerocephalus, Heliotropium europeum, Trifolium incarnatum, Centaurea salonitana var. macrantha and Consolida regalis.

We left here at12.50pm but unfortunately our intended plan to make our annual visit to the Marena Place fishponds was thwarted by road closures due to a major road building operation. We drove to the hillside above Illindentsi where we had our picnic lunch. In the water trough here were Yellow-bellied Toads, whilst on the grassy slopes we found Jersey Tiger moth, the very attractive , the flower chafer beetle Oythyrea funesta, another Scutellarid bug species Psacasta exanthematica and Acmaeoderella flavofasciata, one of the less colourful of the Jewel Beetles of the family Buprestidae. Birds here include Lesser Kestrel.

We then walked down the track below the road to the spring seeing the larval web-nests of Processionary Moths, and Speckled Wood, Wood White and Long-tailed Blue butterflies. Mike found a specimen of the largest European terrestrial shieldbug Mustha spinosula, much to the envy of the leader, who has never yet seen it! The spring itself, with shallow water flowing over gravel was alive with butterflies, especially various blues and whites, a marvelous sight that was one of the highlights of the week for two of the group. In the course of our return journey back to Melnik, Little Owl, five Grey Herons, six Little Egrets, four Cormorants and White Stork were among the birds sighted. Other birds seen during the day included Woodchat Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike and Woodlark.

© Naturetrek April 17 3

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

We were back at the hotel for 6.15pm so dinner was arranged for 7.15pm, followed as usual by the resumé of species seen during the day.

Day 4 Tuesday 29th July

Depart Melnik - arrive Bansko Sunny, dry and hot, maximum temperature 35°C Despite the fact that this was transfer day, the turn out remained good for the pre-breakfast walk. Those who came were rewarded with Icterine and Bonelli's Warblers, Rock and Cirl Buntings, Sombre Tit and Nightingale (heard) among others, as well as Bath White butterfly. Following our usual al fresco breakfast and with all bills paid and the bus loaded with luggage, we left on time at 9am. However after just 15 minutes we made a roadside stop near Hursovo for Calandra Lark, with an obliging Hoopoe also putting in an appearance. Insects seen here were the Large Mottle-winged Ant-lion (Palpares libelluloides), a freshly emerged Red-veined Darter, the red and black striped bug Graphosoma lineatum (christened the AC Milan Bug by a previous group), Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata) and the beetle Mylabris variabilis.

After 45 minutes we drove on, at one point passing within 300 metres of the Greek border. A fine specimen of the introduced Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa bignonioides) beside the road attracted the attention of some. At 11.10am we made our scheduled stop at the Popovi Livadi mountain pass. This is another of our regular sites and always productive. Butterflies on this visit included plentiful Clouded Yellows and Marbled Whites as well as Red Admiral, Queen of Spain Fritillary, Woodland Ringlet, Scarce Copper, Nettle Tree Butterfly, and Apollo. A Sallow Clearwing moth ( flaviventris) was an unexpected bonus whilst other insects included the attractive longhorn beetles Pachyodes cerambyciformis, Stictoleptura rubra and Rutpela (=Strangalia) maculata, as well as iridescent green Chafers and Mint- Beetles. The flora here is also good with Digitalis lanata, Cirsium candelabrum. C.ligulare, Teucrium chamaedrys, Linaria genistifolia, Nepeta pannonica, Gentiana cruciata, Campanula patula and Common Spotted Orchid among many interesting and attractive species. Fine specimens of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) and Weeping Bolete (Suillus ganulatus) were also of interest.

After our picnic lunch here we left at 2pm and then made a brief comfort stop with the welcome opportunity also taken for cold drinks and ice creams. At 3.10pm we reached our final scheduled stop for the day at the Gotse Delchev fishponds. Here Great Reed Warbler, Little Bittern, Black Stork, Common Sandpiper and Levant Sparrowhawk were among the birds greatly appreciated by the birders. Dragonflies included Banded, Scarlet and Common Darters, Emperor, Black-tailed and Keeled Skimmers, Common Hawker and Small Pincertail, with Blue-tailed, White-legged and Small Red-eyed Damsels. Map Butterfly and Buffalo Treehopper (Stictocephala bisonia) were the other invertebrates of note. The flora included Flowering Rush, Great Water Plantain, Skullcap and Gipsywort as well as two further fungi Bovista plumbea and Lepiota alba.

We boarded the bus again at 4.40pm and drove on to the ski town of Bansko, where the Hotel Dumanov was to be our base for the rest of the week. We arrived here at 5.45pm and our excellent dinner at 7pm was once again eaten outside. The wooden posts supporting the shelter of our benches were decorated with the hoof brackets of Fomes fomentarius, making this one of the most productive days ever for Fungi on this tour. As usual the daily log rounded off the evening.

4 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Day 5 Wednesday 30th July

Bansko; Vikren to Banderitsa; meadows above Bansko Very pleasant, maximum temperature 32°C, sunny and dry. Past experience has shown that our Bansko location, in the centre of a busy town, is not conducive to a meaningful pre-breakfast walk so none is organised. Nonetheless there is the compensation that there is invariably a range of moths and other insects attracted overnight to lit balconies. Species caught are boxed and passed round at breakfast prior to subsequent release. This morning these included a number of micro-moths: Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella), Catoptria falsella and the Rose Plume Moth Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla. The only larger moth was Scarce Footman, but the brown lacewing tortricoides was a bonus and a species not present in the UK.

After an excellent breakfast we drove to the mountain hut at Vikren at 1,950 metres, arriving at 9.45am. From here we walked downhill along the roadside to Banderitsa at 1,785 metres. The higher plant flora here was excellent and included choice plants such as Allium flavum, Erigeron atticus, Bupleurum sibthorpianum, Rhinanthus rumelicus, Digitalis lutea, Scutellaria alpina, Teucrium chamaedrys, Dianthus petraeus, D.gigantaeformis, Polygala major, Asynema canescens, Onobrychis montana, Scorzonera purpurea, Gentiana lutea and the endemic butterwort Pinguicula balcanica. Birders had views of Nutcracker, Red Crossbill, Ring Ouzel, Alpine Chough and Raven. This is also a good site for butterflies and among the very many that were seen on this walk were Common Brassy Ringlet, Arran Brown, Eastern Large Heath, Large Grizzled Skipper, Clouded Apollo, Scarce Swallowtail, Amanda's Blue and Ripart's Anomalous Blue. Several moth species were also in evidence including Common Marbled Carpet, larval galls of Pine Resin Gall Moth (Retinia resinella), the attractive Oncocera semirubella and a Pyralid species recently recognised as new to science and still awaiting formal description. Two other attractive insects were the bush cricket Poecilimon orbelicus and the yellow and black plant hopper Evacanthus interruptus.

Our bus had preceded us down and after our lunch, supplemented by cold drinks and ice creams from the café, we left here and 2.45pm. After just 10 minutes we stopped briefly by the roadside for an excellent colony of Red Helleborine, with many taking the opportunity to photograph these.

We continued down to another regular site, some meadows above Bansko, reaching the stopping place to start the walk to these at 3.25pm. Plants added to the list here included Downy-leaved Hawthorn, Ajuga laxmannii, and Chamerion dodonaei. Among the butterflies were Black-veined White, Great Banded Grayling, Silver-washed and Dark Green Fritillaries, Cardinal, Pearly Heath, normal Meadow Browns as well as some distinctive variations of this. The day-flying moths included Feathered Footman and the very pretty burnet Zygaena carniolica, which lacks an authentic English name. Among other insects noted here were the grasshopper Calliptamus italicus, the shieldbug Carpocoris purpureipennis and Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana).

We were back at the hotel at 5.50pm and after another tasty dinner followed by the lists, all were ready to retire.

© Naturetrek April 17 5

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Day 6 Thursday 31st July

Meadows near Gotse Delchev, meadows above Dobrinishte fishponds; Bansko old town. Mainly sunny, a thundery shower pm, max temp 27°C but cooler at Bezbog. There had been several new moths at light overnight these being Common Silver Y, Toadflax Brocade, Least Carpet, (Cydia pomonella), Emmelina monodactyla, Argyresthia conjugella, Agriphila brioniella, Isophrictis striatella and Palpita vitrealis (the last named an uncommon migrant to the UK). Most of these were collected by Helen and Andrew.

The weather forecast at altitude was not good so plans to visit Bezbog Lake had to be abandoned, as the chairlift was not operating. We nonetheless left the hotel on time at 9am and headed for the meadows near Gotse Delchev (near to the start of the chairlift, in case things improved). Arriving at the meadows at 9.40am we had a productive and interesting morning, with the weather remaining fine. The flora was good and included Creeping Jenny, Yellow Loosestrife, Ragged Robin, Grass of Parnassus, Red Avens (Geum coccineum), Silene roemeri, Armeria rumelica, Allium melanantherum, Linaria genistifolia and Marsh Helleborine, whilst Fungi again attracted interest with these including Agrocybe arvalis, Marasmius oreades (Fairy Ring Champignon), Vascellum pratense (Meadow Puffball), and the orange-red bracket fungus Pycnoporus cinnabarinus (very rare and possibly extinct in the UK). The moss species Philonotis fontana was also photographed by at least one of the group. Scarce, Sooty, Purple-shot and Balkan Coppers were all seen here, with the last of these new for the week. Other insects observed were Common Footman, Minor Shoulder Knot and Shaded Broad-bar moths, the sexually dimorphic plant hopper Cicadella viridis (the forewings of the female are bright turquoise green, but those of the male are blue-purple), Wart Biter Bush-Cricket (Decticus verrucivorus), the shiny yellow-green Small Gold Grasshopper (Euthystira brachyptera), the very attractive Large Banded Grasshopper (Arcyptera fusca) and the groundhopper Tetrix depressa (=Uvarovitettix). A Slow Worm was another nice find.

At 11.25am, with no change in the situation regarding the chairlift and with cloud building in that direction, we headed to another site above Dobrinishte, near to a fish farm, where we spent an hour. This new site was somewhat disappointing with the best finds the bug Adelphocoris seticornis, Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana), a Bee Chafer and an Oak Spider. At 12.30pm we headed into the fish farm restaurant where we enjoyed an excellent trout lunch. On the walls was a rather battered specimen of Pine Hawk-moth, Pine Tree Lappet, Beauty and Garden Carpet moths, as well as the caddis fly Odontocerum hellenicum (a species not present in the UK). Maintaining their interest in Fungi, members of the group spotted Meripilus giganteus (Giant Polypore) and Ganoderrma australe (Southern Artist's Bracket Fungus). A Poplar Admiral butterfly put in an all too brief appearance, so was unfortunately only seen by a few of the group. This was therefore a beneficial stop in many ways!

Walking on from here, the plants noted included Dwarf Elder (also known as Danewort), Small-leaved Lime, Large Hemp Nettle, Sedum cepaea and olympicum with the best of the invertebrates being Marbled Fritillary, Scarlet Tiger moth, the impressive Volucella zonaria (the largest of our UK hoverfly species) and the white colour form of the spider Misumenia vatia. The rain that had been threatening for some time started at 2.25pm and was soon quite heavy. As if by remote control, our bus appeared to pick us up. We made a brief stop at an interesting church in Gotse Delchev and some took the opportunity for a coffee. We made another stop soon after for a Lesser Spotted Eagle, but with the rain setting in, several decided that they wished to return to

6 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

the hotel, whilst others elected to explore the old part of Bansko. We still managed to eat our evening dinner outside, though under the shelter, and with lists completed by 8.55pm, most decided on an early night.

Day 7 Friday 1st August

Bansko; near Rila along Iliina River; Rila Monastery Mostly wet, cloudy and misty. Maximum temperature 20°C Moths at light overnight were mostly as previously, though Light Emerald, Rush Veneer, Rusty Dot Pearl and a Synaphe species were additions. It was not possible to identify the last of these to species from images as members of this genus can only be reliably identified by dissection.

We had arranged for breakfast half an hour earlier in order to make the most of the day and hopefully re- schedule the visit to Bezbog, but sadly the weather conditions and the forecast ruled that out. We therefore made the decision to go to Rila where it was suggested that conditions were likely to be better. We left the hotel at 8.35am and by 10.25am we had reached a site alongside the Iliina River, situated between Rila town and the monastery. Here we walked for a couple of hours, seeing a good range of species considering the conditions. Among those seen were Lulworth Skipper, the attractive Purple-barred Yellow moth, Mother of Pearl moth, the hoverfly Volucella pellucens and Hornet. Three attractive Mirid Bug species were subsequently identified from images as Adelphocoris vandalicus, Oncotylus setulosus (=Cylindromerus) and Polymerus unifasciatus. Higher plants included Touch-me-not Balsam, Rhinanthus rumelicus and Dianthus deltoides. Many fungi were also seen, several of these species already noted during the week, among the new ones being Schizophyllum commune (Common Porecrust or Split Gill) Dacrymyces stillatus (Common Jellyspot), Taphrina alni (Alder Tongue) causing impressive red tongue galls emergent from Alder cones.

We then drove on to the Restaurant Zodiac for a 'light lunch' that comprised a choice of either bean or chicken soup with bread followed by omelette and chips. As with yesterday, it proved a productive place, particularly for insects attracted to light. The moths comprised Common Marbled Carpet, Small Fan-footed Wave, Large White Plume, another fine specimen of Pine Tree Lappet and a much better Pine Hawk-moth specimen than yesterday, while those visiting the toilets attention drew attention to four of caddis on the walls. These were photographed in slightly more salubrious situations and subsequently identified by the leading UK specialist on this group as Micropterna sequax, Rhyacophila loxias, Rhyacophila occidentalis and Hydropsyche sp. The last of these was a female and could not be identified to species from images, but it was not one of the UK members of the genus. In fact only the first of these occurs in the UK. Several large Helix lucorum snails (the Eastern European relative of Roman Snail) were enjoying the damp vegetation. Some fine plants of Heart-leaved Ox-eye (Telekia speciosa) were growing by the river and Broad-leaved Helleborine was also spotted, as was yet another new toadstool for the week, Suillus grevillei ( Bolete). It was again a very satisfying stop in more ways than one.

We left here at 2.25pm and drove on to the monastery of St Ivan of Rila. Founded in the tenth century, this is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction. The group was able to explore the monastery itself and the excellent museum. Pallid Swifts wheeled overhead and there was also another good selection of moths on the walls including Grey Arches, Pretty Chalk Carpet and Idaea deversaria. The last has no English name as it does not occur in the UK, though we do have a large number of others from this genus.

© Naturetrek April 17 7

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

The group reassembled at the bus at 3.45pm and we travelled back to Bansko. Before returning to the hotel, we stopped for the opportunity to photograph the famous Bansko washing machine. This draws water from the river via a wooden conduit. Some of the group crossed the road to look at the river and immediately spotted a Dipper. Other than that, the only other birds of note seen during the day were Marsh Tit and Hobby. We were back at the hotel at 3.50pm allowing good time before our 7pm dinner, lists and individual highlights of the week.

Day 8 Saturday 2nd August

Depart Bansko; drive to Sofia; flight to Heathrow A good range of moths had been attracted overnight, the new ones being Tawny Wave, Blair's Mocha, Scarce Bordered Straw, Scythris limbella and Plutella xylostella, in addition to a number we had had here and elsewhere previously.

Breakfast was again taken early, and having loaded luggage, paid bills and thanked the excellent hotel staff, we left at 8.30am, ironically in fine weather! At 8.50am we made a brief stop at a meadow where a few invertebrates and birds were noted; the former including Spotted Fritillary, Ochraceous Wave moth and two , the small green spider Araniella sp. (probably A.cucurbitina) and the crab spider Thomisus onustus. Among the birds were , Red Crossbill and Red-backed Shrike. Greatest interest, however, centred on a very attractive lichen which I was subsequently able to get identified by a specialist from my images as Anaptychia ciliaris ssp. ciliaris. Our onward journey was halted by major road works necessitating a big diversion. (We were clearly on our way home!).

In the course of the journey the best bird seen was Little Owl. We made a comfort stop at a service station at 10.15am. Here group members were individually able to select what they wanted to take away for lunch later. Before continuing, thanks and a presentation were made to Assen and to our excellent driver. Mike then spotted a tiny insect on the bus - a Broom Hopper (Gagara genistae). As the name suggests, this is associated with Broom and although it occurs southern Britain, it is scarce.

Birds seen on this next stage included Short-toed Eagle, Buzzard, Raven and inevitably White Storks. There was heavy traffic around Sofia, not helped by one completely closed carriageway. Nonetheless we arrived at the airport an hour and a half before takeoff which, as always here, was ample time. All were safely checked in and, as on our outward flight, take off was a few minutes late but landing ahead of schedule. All the baggage made it back to Heathrow as well as the group and after farewells all round, we continued with our individual journeys home.

Acknowledgements

My thanks to all members of the group for their company, good humour and patience, as well as for many contributions to the lists. My thanks also to my excellent Bulgarian co-leader Assen, for his local guidance, as well as identifying the butterflies and the birds. Thanks also to our careful driver and the staff in the two hotels who all did do their best for us.

8 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

I must also thank my good friend Dr. Dimitar Dimotrov (also known as Mitko) for help with some plant queries, Dr. Dragan Chobonov () both these two from the Natural History Museum in Sofia where they are colleagues of Assen. I am also very grateful to the following contacts from various countries for assistance in identification or in checking my own identifications for various groups: Theo Zeegers (some Diptera), Henrik Piros, and Christian Schmid-Egger, (some ), Stoyan Beshkov (some macro-moths), Colin Plant and David Manning (micro-moths), Levente Abraham (), Sheila Brooke, Hugh Griffiths & Alex Ramsay (some Hemiptera), Ian Wallace (Caddis), Ian Dawson (some spiders), Peter Topley (Molluscs) and Mark Powell (Lichen)

Receive our e-newsletter

Join the Naturetrek e-mailing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk to sign up.

Naturetrek Facebook

We are delighted to launch the Naturetrek Facebook page so that participants of Naturetrek tours can remain in touch after the holiday and share photos, comments and future travel plans.

Setting up a personal profile at www.facebook.com is quick, free and easy. The Naturetrek Facebook page is now live; do please pay us a visit!

Allium melanantherum

© Naturetrek April 17 9

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only) July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos  

2 Common Pochard Aythya ferina 

3 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis h

4 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 

5 Black Stork Ciconia nigra  

6 White Stork Ciconia ciconia      

7 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus 

8 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea  5

9 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 6

10 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 4  

11 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 2  2   

12 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus  

13 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus 

14 Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes ? 

15 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo       

16 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus 

17 Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina 

18 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 

19 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni      

20 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo 

21 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 

22 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 

23 Common Pigeon/Rock Dove Columba livia (feral)     

24 Stock Dove Columba oenas  

25 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus    

26 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur   

27 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto         28 Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops  h

29 Little Owl Athene noctua  2    

30 Common Swift Apus apus       

31 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus  

32 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis h

33 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster     

34 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops  

35 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor  

36 Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius  h

37 Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus  

38 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major   

39 Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus h h

40 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio         41 Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor   

42 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator    

43 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus   h h

44 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius       

45 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica         46 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes   h

47 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus 

10 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 48 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula   

49 Rook Corvus frugilegus  

50 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix      

51 Northern Raven Corvus corax     h 

52 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris  

53 Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris  6  

54 Coal Tit Periparus ater   

55 Great Tit Parus major         56 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus  

57 Eurasian Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus h

58 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra  

59 Crested Lark Galerida cristata  

60 Woodlark Lullula arborea 

61 Sand Martin Riparia riparia 

62 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica         63 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris     

64 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum         65 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica       

66 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti h

67 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus  

68 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita       

69 Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis 

70 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 

71 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 

72 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 

73 Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida   

74 Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina 

75 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla   

76 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca    

77 Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris 

78 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis    

79 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes  

80 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 

81 Western Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer h

82 Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris h h

83 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris       

84 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus 

85 Common Blackbird Turdus merula         86 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos  

87 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus   

88 European Robin Erithacus rubecula       

89 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos   h

90 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros    

91 Oenanthe oenanthe 

92 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica 

93 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 

94 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus  

95 House Sparrow Passer domesticus         96 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis      

97 Dunnock Prunella modularis 

98 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea     

© Naturetrek April 17 11

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 99 White Wagtail Motacilla alba       

100 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs         101 European Serin Serinus serinus    

102 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris     

103 Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus 

104 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis         105 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina  

106 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra   h h

107 Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula  

108 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes  h

109 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra  

110 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella   

111 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 

112 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana h

113 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus   

114 Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala  

Mammals 1 Eastern Hedgehog Erinaceus concolor (=roumanicus) † †

2 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 

3 European Wild Cat Felis silvestris 

4 European Pine Marten Martes martes †

Reptiles/Amphibians 1 Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca †

2 European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis 

3 Kotschy's Gecko Cyrtopodion kotschyi bibroni 

4 Green Lizard Lacerta viridis  

5 Balkan Green Lizard Lacerta trilineata 

6 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis   

7 Balkan Wall Lizard Podarcis taurica 

8 Slow Worm Anguis fragilis  

9 Grass Snake Natrix natrix 

10 Yellow-bellied Toad Bombina variegata 

11 Common Toad Bufo bufo  †

12 Common Frog Rana temporaria 

13 Marsh Frog Pelohylax (Rana) ridibundus   

Fish 1 Balkan Trout Salmo troutta fario 

Butterflies 1 Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus  

2 Oberthür's Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus  

3 Mallow Skipper Carcharodus alceae    

4 Tufted Marbled Skipper Carcharodes flocciferus 

5 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages    

6 Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon 

7 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris    

12 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 8 Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus  

9 Apollo Parnassius apollo 

10 Clouded Apollo Parnassius mnemosyne  

11 Swallowtail Papilio machaon    

12 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius      

13 Small White Pieris rapae    

14 Green-veined White Pieris napi (inc balcanica)    

15 Bath White Pontia daplidice   

16 Eastern Bath White Pontia edusa   

17 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi  

18 Large White Pieris brassicae       

19 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea       

20 Berger's Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis 

21 Mountain Clouded Yellow Colias phicomone 

22 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 

23 Wood White Leptidea sinapis      

24 Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini 

25 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas   

26 Scarce Copper Lycaena virgaureae    

27 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus   

28 Purple-shot Copper Lycaena alciphron   

29 Large Copper Lycaena dispar 

30 Balkan Copper Lycaena candens 

31 Lesser Fiery Copper Lycaena thersamon  

32 Little Tiger Blue Tarucus balkanicus  

33 Short-tailed Blue Cupido argiades  

34 Little Blue Cupido minimus 

35 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus   

36 Large Blue Maculinea arion 

37 Silver-studded Blue Plebeius argus      

38 Idas Blue Plebeius idas 

39 Reverdin's Blue Plebeius argyrognomon  

40 Blue Argus Ultraaricia anteros 

41 Brown Argus Aricia agestis       

42 Mountain Argus Aricia artaxerxes 

43 Eastern Short-tailed Blue Everes decoloratus 

44 Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus    

45 Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus 

46 Ripart's Anomalous Blue Polyommatus (=Agrodiaetus) ripartii 

47 Amanda's Blue Plebicula amanda 

48 Meleager's Blue Meleageria daphnis  

49 Chalk-hill Blue Lysandra coridon 

50 Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus  

51 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus       

52 False Eros Blue Polyommatus eroides 

53 Freyer's Purple Emperor Aptura metis 

54 Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta 

55 White Admiral Limenitis camila 

56 Poplar admiral Limenitis populi 

57 Hungarian Glider Neptis rivilaris   

58 Common Glider Neptis sappho 

© Naturetrek April 17 13

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 59 Peacock Butterfly Inachis io 

60 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta  

61 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui     

62 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 

63 Comma Polygonia c-album      

64 Southern Comma Polygonia egea 

65 Map Butterfly Araschnia levana 

66 Cardinal Pandoriana pandora  

67 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynis paphia       

68 Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja 

69 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia  

70 Marbled Fritillary Brenthis daphne 

71 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe   

72 Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma       

73 Lesser Spotted Fritillary Melitaea trivia  

74 Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia  

75 Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia 

76 Marbled White Melanargia galathea      

77 Tree Grayling Hipparchia statilinus 

78 Great Banded Grayling Hipparchia (=Kanetisa) circe      

79 Delatin's Grayling Hipparcha volgensis 

80 Freyer's Grayling Neohipparchia fatua 

81 Arran Brown Erebia ligea  

82 Woodland Ringlet Erebia medusa  

83 Ottoman Brassy Ringlet Erebia ottomana 

84 Common Brassy Ringlet Erebia cassioides 

85 Black Ringlet Erebia melas 

86 Bright-eyed Ringlet Erebia oeme 

87 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina         88 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus     

89 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus    

90 Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania   

91 Eastern Large Heath Coenonympha rhodopensis 

92 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus       

93 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria     

94 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera   

95 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera  

96 Nettle Tree butterfly Libythea celtis  

Moths Paranthrene tabaniformis f 1 Dusky Clearwing   rhingiaeformis 2 Sallow Clearwing Synanthedon flaviventris 

3 Spurge Hawkmoth Hyles euphorbiae L

4 Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum   

5 Pine Hawk-moth Sphinx pinastri  

6 Pine Processionary Moth web Thaumetopoea pityocampa  

7 Nine-spotted Syntomis phegea  

8 a Burnet moth sp. Zygaena carniolica 

9 Black Burnet Zygaena ephialtes 

10 6-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae 

14 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 11 Narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet Zygaena lonicerae 

12 Common Forester Adscita statices 

13 A Forester Moth sp Adscita sp. indet.   

14 Scarlet Tiger Casllimorpha dominula 

15 Feathered Footman Coscinia striata 

16 Scarce Footman Eilema complana 

17 Common Footman Eilerna lurideola    

18 Jersey Tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria  

19 Pine-Tree Lappet pini  

20 Light Emerald Campaea margaritata  

21 Common Marbled Carpet Chloroclysta (Dysstroma) truncata  

22 Blair's Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria 

23 Common Heath Ematurga atomaria 

24 Common Emerald aestivaria 

25 Riband Wave Idaea aversata 

26 Small Fan-footed Wave Idaea biselata 

27 Idaea deversaria 

28 Least Carpet Idaea rusticata   

29 Ochraceous Wave Idaea serpentata 

30 Purple-barred Yellow purpuraria 

31 Pretty Chalk Carpet Melanthia procellata 

32 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria 

33 Tawny Wave Scopula rubiginata 

34 Shaded Broad Bar Scotopteryx chenopodiata 

35 Garden Carpet Xantharhoe fluctuata 

36 Dark Arches Apameae monoglypha 

37 Silver Y Autographa gamma   

38 Minor Shoulder Knot Brachylomia viminalis 

39 Toadflax Brocade Calophasia lunula 

40 Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica 

Scarce Bordered Straw / Cotton 41 Helicoverpa armigera  Bollworm 42 Grey Arches Pohlia nebulosa 

43 Schinia cognata 

44 Agriphila brionella 

45 Agriphila straminella 

46 Argyresthia conjugella 

47 Horse- Leaf miner Cameraria ohridella   

48 Catoptria falsella  

49 Catoptria pinella 

50 Capperia fusca 

51 Rose Plume Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla  

52 Codling Moth Cydia pomonella 

53 Emmelina monodactyla  

54 Epiblema foenella 

55 Isophrictis striatella 

sp. nov. (name not yet 56 Mecyna slamkai  published) 57 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella  

58 Oncocera semirubella 

59 Palpita vitrealis   

60 Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis 

© Naturetrek April 17 15

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 61 Diamondback Plutella xylostella 

Pine Resin Gall Moth (as galls 62 Retinia resinella  on Pine) 63 Goosefoot Owlet Scythris limbella 

64 Rusty Dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis 

65 Spindle Ermine Yponomeuta cagnagella  

Dragonflies 1 Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens   

2 Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo   

3 Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans  

4 Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum  

5 White-legged Damselfly Platycnemis pennipes   

6 Common Hawker Aeshna juncea 

7 Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta 

8 Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator 

9 Small Pincertail Onychogomphus forcipatus  

10 Balkan Goldenwing Cordulegaster heros   

11 Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum 

12 Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens 

13 Southern Skimmer Orthetrum brunneum 

14 Banded Darter Sympetrum pedemontanum 

15 Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum  

16 Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii 

17 Scarlet Darter Crocothemis erythraea  

18 Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa  

Plecoptera (Stoneflies) 1 a large stonefly sp. indet 

2 Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)

3 small mayfly sp.  

Neuroptera (Lacewings, Ant-lions etc) 1 a green lacewing sp. Chrysoperla carnea agg. 

2 Large Mottle-winged Ant-lion Palpares libelluloides  

3 an Ant-lion sp. Creolon plumbeus   

4 Megalomus tortricoides 

5 an Ant-lion sp. Myrmecaelurus trigrammus  

Dermaptera (Earwigs) 1 Common Earwig Forficula auricularia  

Orthoptera (Grasshoppers & Crickets) 1 Wart-biter Decticus verrucivorus 

2 a Bush Cricket sp Eupholidoptera smyrnensis 

3 a Bush-cricket sp albovittata 

4 a Bush-cricket sp Poecilimon orbelicus 

5 a Bush-cricket sp Poecilimon thoracicus.      

6 Tettigonia caudata 

16 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 7 a Bush-cricket sp Tylopsis lilifolia  

8 Field Cricket Gryllus campestris h

9 Slant-headed Grasshopper Acrida mediterranea   

10 Aiolopus thalassinus 

11 Large Banded Grasshopper Arcyptera fusca 

12 Egyptian Grasshopper Anacridium aegyptium 

13 a grasshopper sp. Calliptamus italicus 

14 Small Gold Grasshopper Euthystira brachyptera 

15 Blue-winged Grasshopper Oedipoda caerulescens   

16 Red-winged Grasshopper Oedipoda miniata    

17 a Groundhopper sp. Tetrix depressa (=Uvarovitettix) 

Dictyoptera (Mantids etc) 1 Cone-head Mantis Empusa fasciata  

2 Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa 

Hemiptera (Bugs) 1 a Pond Skater Gerris sp. 

2 Adelphocoris lineolatus 

3 Adelphocoris seticornis  

4 Adelphocoris vandalicus 

5 Bishop's Mitre Aelia acuminata 

6 Wheat Stink Bug Aelia rostrata 

7 [fam: ] Arocatus sp. ?longiceps 

8 [fam: Alydidae] lateralis   

9 a Shield Bug sp Carpocoris mediterraneus    

10 Carpocoris sp ?pudicus 

11 Carpocoris purpureipennis 

12 a Squash-bug species Centrocoris variegatus 

13 biclavatus 

14 a Shield Bug sp

15 Denticulate Leatherbug Coriomeris denticulatus 

Common Squash-bug / Dock 16 Coreus marginatus  Bug 17 Plane Lacebug Corythucha ciliata 

18 Deraeoceris rutilus 

19 Dicyphus epilobii 

20 Dicyphus pallicornis 

21 Hairy Shieldbug / Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum   

22 Ornate Shieldbug Eurydema ornata 

23 AC Milan Bug Graphosoma lineatum (= italicum)   

24 a Shield Bug sp Mustha spinosula 

25 Odontotarsus robustus 

26 Oncotylus setulosus 

27 Green Shieldbug Palomena prasina 

28 rufipes 

29 Gorse Shieldbug Piezodorus lituratus 

30 Polymerus unifasciatus 

31 a spotted Shieldbug sp Psacasta exanthematica 

32 an Assassin Bug Rhinocoris iracundus 

33 a red and black bug sp. [fam: Spilostethus saxatilis (=Lygaeus) 

© Naturetrek April 17 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 Lygaeidae] 34 Tholagmus flavolineatus 

35 Aphrophora alni    

36 a Cicada Cicada orni 

37 a 'froghopper' sp. Cicadella viridis 

38 Evacanthus interruptus 

39 Populicerus populi 

40 Buffalo Treehopper Stictocephala bisonia 

41 Psylla alni 

42 Adelges abietis 

43 Pink Tansy Metopeurum fuscoviride  

44 as gall on Ulmus sp Schizoneura lanuginosa 

45 as gall on Ulmus sp Tetraneura ulmi 

Trichoptera (Caddis-flies) 1 a Caddis sp. (female indet) Hydropsyche sp. (female)  

2 Odontocerum hellenicum 

3 Rhyacophila loxias 

4 Rhyacophila occidentalis 

5 Micropterna sequax 

Diptera (Two-winged Flies) 1 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Atylotus loewianus 

2 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Chrysops caecutiens  

3 [fam: ] rufomaculata 

4 Drone-fly [fam: Syrphidae] Eristales tenax 

5 Noon Fly Mesembrina meridiana  

6 as gall on Fagus sylvatica Mikiola fagi 

7 [fam: Tachinidae]

8 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Philipomyia aprica 

9 a hoverfly sp. Scaeva selenitica 

10 a Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Sphaerophoria sp. 

11 Pale Giant Horsefly Tabanus bovinus  

12 Band-eyed Brown Horsefly Tabanus bromius    

13 Downland Horsefly Tabanus glaucopis  

Dark Giant Horsefly [fam: 14 Tabanus sudeticus    Tabanidae] 15 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Tabanus tergestinus    

16 [fam: Tachinidae] Tachina fera 

17 a Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Volucella inanis 

18 a Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Volucella pellucens    

19 a large Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Volucella zonaria 

Hymenoptera (Bees, etc) 1 Honey Bee Apis mellifera      

a Spider-hunting Wasp sp. [fam: 2 Batozonellus lacerticida  Pompilidae] a Sand Wasp sp. [fam: 3 Bembix bidentata  Crabronidae] 4 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris  

5 a large ant species Cremogaster scutellaris 

18 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 6 as Robin's Pincushion Gall Diplolepis rosae      

as larval leaf-mine on Alnus 7 Fenusa dohrnii  glutinosa 8 Wood Ant Formica rufa  

9 Black Garden Ant niger      

10 as larval galls on Pontania proxima 

11 a sawfly sp. Tenthredo sp. ?omissa 

12 European Hornet Vespa crabro 

13 Violet Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violacea   

Coleoptera (Beetles) 1 7-Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata   

2 Orange Ladtybird sedecimguttata  

3 Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata    

4 Bee Chafer Trichius fasciatus 

5 a Flower Chafer Oxythyrea funesta   

6 Trichodes crabroniformis 

7 a Dung Beetle sp Scarabaeus sp cf. laticollis 

8 Common Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva     

a black with red 9 rufidorsum  head a blister beetle sp. [fam: 10 Mylabris variabilis     Meloidae] 11 [fam: Buprestidae] Acmaeoderella flavofasciata 

Mint Leaf Beetle [ fam: 12 Chrysolina menthastri    Chrysomelidae] Poplar Leaf Beetle [ fam: 13 Chrysomela populi   Chrysomelidae] 14 Small Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha goettingensis 

a Longhorn Beetle sp 15 Chlorophorus varius  [Cerambycidae] a Longhorn Beetle sp 16 Pachytodes cerambyciformis  [Cerambycidae] a Longhorn Beetle sp 17 Rutpela (=Strangalia) maculata     [Cerambycidae] a Longhorn Beetle sp 18 Stenurella semipunctata   [Cerambycidae] a Longhorn Beetle sp 19 Stictoleptura rubra     [Cerambycidae] 20 a large weevil sp. Lixus angustatus/ algira  

21 a large weevil sp. Larinus sp. ?turbinatus 

Arachnida (Spiders etc) 1 Oak Spider Aculepeira ceropegia   

2 a Funnel-web Spider Agalena labyrinthica 

Araniella cucurbitana / 3  opisthographa 4 an orb-web-spider Araneus circe 

5 Garden Spider Araneus diadematus 

6 Lobed Argiope Spider  

7 Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi   

8 a crab spider Misumenia vatia   

9 Nursery-web Spider Pisaura mirabilis 

10 a jumping spider Salticus sp. 

11 Candy-striped Spider Theridion ovatum 

© Naturetrek April 17 19

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July/August Common name Scientific name 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 12 Thomisus onustus 

13 Castor Bean Tick Ixodes ricinus 

14 as gall on Vitis vinifera Colomeris vitis 

Myriapoda (Millipedes & Centipedes) Mediterannean Banded 1 Scolopendra cingulata  Centipede

Mollusca (Snails, slugs etc.) 1 Cepaea vindabonensis 

2 Euomphalia strigella 

3 a Snail sp. Helix lucorum  

4 Roman Snail Helix pomatius 

Zebrina detrita 

Plants (Including Fungi) Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

PTERIDOPHYTES Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail 27, Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort 26, Athyrium filix-foemina Lady Fern 31, Dryopteris filix-mas Male Fern 30, Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern 30, Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 29, 30

GYMNOSPERMS Conifers and Allies Pinaceae Pine family Abies borisii-regis 29, Larix deciduas Larch 29, Norway Spruce 29, Pinus leucodermis (inc P.heldreichii) Bosnian Pine 30, 31 Pinus mugo Dwarf Mountain-pine 30, 31 Scot's Pine 29, Cypress family Cupressus sempervirens Mediterranean Cypress 1 Juniperus communis Juniper 29, Juniperus sibirica 30,

ANGIOSPERMS Flowering Plants Aceraceae Maple family Sycamore 31, Anacardiaceae Cotinus coggygria Smoke Tree 02, Carrot family Bupleurum sibthorpianum (=falcatum) Sickle-leaf Hare's-ear 30, Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo 27, Heracleum sibiricum Siberian Hogweed 30, Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip 29, Araliaceae Hedera helix Ivy 27, Asclepiadaceae

20 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

Cynanchum acutum Stranglewort 27, Daisy family Achillea millefolium Yarrow 26, Achillea clypeolata 28, Arctium minus Lesser Burdock 01, vulgaris Mugwort 26, Centaurea rutifolia 26, Centaurea salonitana var. macrantha 27, Centaurea solstitialis St Barnaby's Thistle 27, Skeletonweed 27, Cichorium intybus Chicory 26, Cirsium candelabrum Candelabra Thistle 30, Cirsium ligulare 29, Echinops sphaerocephalus Pale Globe-thistle 26, 28, Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane 29, 30, Erigeron atticus Greek Fleabane 30, Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy 26, Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce 29, Pilosella officinarum (Hieracium pilosella) Mouse-ear Hawkweed 31, Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oyster Thistle 27, Scorzonera purpurea (inc ssp. rosea) 30, 31, Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod 31, Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle 28, Tanacetum vulgare Tansy 26, Telekia speciosa Heart-leaved Ox-eye 01, Tragopogon crocifolius 30, Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot 26, Xeranthemum annuum Pink Everlasting 28, Balsaminaceae Balsam family Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan Balsam 26, Impatiens noli-tangere Touch-me-not 31, Betulaceae family Alder 29, Silver Birch 26, Bignoniaceae Catalpa bignonioides Indian Bean Tree 29, Boraginaceae Borage family Echium vulgare Viper's Bugloss 29, 31, Echium italicum Italian Viper's Bugloss 27, Heliotropium europaeum European Heliotrope 28, Buddleiaceae Buddleia davidii Buddleia 02, Campanulaceae Bellflower family Asyneuma canescens 30, Campanula patula (inc C.abietina) Spreading Bellflower 29, Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower 30, Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower 29, 30, Jasione bulgarica Bulgarian Sheep's-bit 28, Legousia speculum-veneris Large Venus Looking Glass 28, Cannabiaceae Hemp family Celtis australis Nettle Tree 28, Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle family Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder / Danewort 26, 29,

© Naturetrek April 17 21

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

Sambucus nigra Elder roadsides Caryophyllaceae Pink family Cucubalus baccifer Berry Catchfly 31, Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink 29, 31, Dianthus petraeus 30, Dianthus pinifolius 29, 31, Dianthus gigantaeformis (=pontederae) Tall Pink 30, Lychnis coronaria Rose Campion 31, Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin 29, 31, Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed 26, Petrorhagia velutina (Kohlrauschia) Childing Pink 26, Saponaria officinalis Soapwort 26, Silene roemeri 31, Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion 26, Common Chickweed 28, Celastraceae Euonymus europaeus Common European Spindle 26, Euonymus latifolius Large-leaved Spindle 26, Ceratophyllaceae Ceratophylum demersum Rigid Hornwort 29, Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot family Chenopodium album Fat Hen 28, Convolvulaceae Bindweed family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed 28, Cuscuta campestris a Dodder 28, Cornaceae Cornus sanguineus Dogwood 26, Corylaceae 28, Ostrya carpinifolia Hop 28, Crassulaceae Stonecrop family Sedum album White Stonecrop 26, 30, Sedum alpestre Alpine Stonecrop 30, Sedum cepaea 31, Sedum ochroleucum Creamish Stonecrop 30, Dipsacaceae Teasel family Dipsacus fullonum Teasel 26, Dipsacus laciniatus Cut-leaved Teasel 27, Scabiosa lucida Shining Scabious 31, Scabiosa ochroleuca Yellow Scabious 31, Spurge family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge 29, Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge 29, Euphorbia myrsinites Glaucous Spurge 28, Pea family Amorpha fruticosa Bastard Indigo Bush 27, 28, varia Crown Vetch 30, sylvestris Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea 31, Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil 26, lupulina Black Medick 26, White Melilot 26, Onobrychis montana Mountain Sainfoin 30, spinosa Spiny Restharrow 27,

22 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

Robinia pseudoacacia False Acacia roadsides Spartium junceum Spanish Broom 26, Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover 31, Trifolium incarnatum Crimson Clover 28, Trifolium pratense Red Clover 27, Trifolium repens White Clover 26, Pedunculate Oak 28, Gentianaceae Gentian family Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian 29, Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian 30, Geraniaceae Geranium family Geranium macrorrhizum Rock Cranesbill 30, Geranium molle Dove's-foot Cranesbill 27, Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Cransebill 30, Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill 30, Hippocastanaceae Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut 26, Hypericaceae St John's-wort family Hypericum olympicum 31, Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stalked St John's-wort 30, Juglandaceae Walnut family regia Walnut 26, Mint family Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint 30, Acinos arvensis Basil Thyme 26, Ajuga laxmannii 30, Ballota nigra Black Horehound 31, Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil 26, Galeopsis speciosa Large-flowered Hemp-nettle 31, Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle 30, Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle 28, Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort 29, Marrubium peregrinum 27, Melissa officinalis Balm 28, Mentha aquatica Water Mint 26, Nepeta pannonica 29, 30 Origanum vulgare Marjoram 29, Prunella vulgaris Self-heal 30, Scutellaria alpina Alpine Skullcap 30, Scutellaria galericulata Skullcap 29, Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort 29, Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort 31, Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander 29, Thymus pulegioides Large Wild Thyme 31, Lentibulariaceae Butterwort family Pinguicula bulcanica Balkan Butterwort 30, Lythraceae Loosestrife family Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 26, Malvaceae Mallow family Lavatera thuringiaca 27, Malva sylvestris Common Mallow 28,

© Naturetrek April 17 23

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

Moraceae Mulberry family Ficus carica Fig 26, alba White Mulberry roadsides Oleaceae Olive family Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash 26, Onagraceae Willowherb family Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb 26, Chamaerion dodonaei 30, Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb 26, Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb 27, Papaveraceae Poppy family Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy 30, Parnassiaceae Parnassia palustris Grass of Parnassus 31, Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 26, Plantago major Greater Plantain 26, Platanaceae Plane family Platanus orientalis Oriental Plane 26, 28, Plumbaginaceae Armeria rumelica 31, Polygalaceae Milkwort family Polygala major Large Milkwort 30, Polygonaceae Dock family Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper 29, Knotgrass 27, Persicaria maculosa Redshank 28, Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel 31, Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel 27, Rumex alpinus Monk's Rhubarb 30, Primulaceae Primrose family Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny 31, Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife 31, Ranunculaceae Buttercup family Clematis vitalba Traveller's Joy 26, 28, Consolida regalis Forking Larkspur 27, 28, Delphinium balcanicum 27, Nigella arvensis Love-in-a-mist 30, Nigella elata 27, Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup 30, Thalictrum flavum Common Meadow Rue 30, Rhamnaceae Buckthorn family Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn 31, Paliurus spina-christi Christ's Thorn 26, 28, Rosaceae Rose family Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 26, 29, 30, laciniata (=orientalis) Eastern Thorn/ Downy-leaved Hawthorn 30, Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 29, Geum coccineum Red Avens 31, Geum urbanum Wood Avens 26, caesius Dewberry 29, Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 26, Rubus idaeus Wild Raspberry 29,

24 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

Sorbus aucuparia roadsides Rubiaceae Bedstraw family Asperula cynanchica Squinancywort 30, Cruciata glabra Glabrous Crosswort 30, Cruciata laevipes Crosswort 29, Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw 26, 29, Salicaceae Willow family Populus alba White Poplar 26, Populus nigra Black Poplar 26, Populus tremula Aspen 27, 31, Goat Willow 29, Grey Willow 29, Salix fragilis Crack Willow 29, Scrophulariaceae Figwort family Digitalis lanata Woolly Foxglove 29, Digitalis viridiflora Green-flowered Foxglove 30, Linaria genistifolia Dalmation Toadflax 29, 31, Linaria pelisseriana Jersey Toadflax 27, Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax 26, 30, Rhinanthus rumelicus 30, 01, Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort 31, Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort 29, Veronica beccabunga Brooklime 29, Solanaceae Nightshade family Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet 01, Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade 31, Tiliaceae cordata Small-leaved Lime 31, Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime 26, Tilia x vulgaris Common Lime 27, Thymelaeaceae Daphne family Daphne cneorum Galand Flower 30, Daphne mezereum Mezereon 30, Daphne oleoides 30, Urticacae Nettle family Parietaria judaica Pellitory of the Wall 27, Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle 26, Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Vervain 27, 28, 29, Violaceae Viola tricolor Heartsease 26, 30, Vitaceae Vitis vinifera Grape Vine 27, Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris Maltese Cross 27, 28,

Alismataceae Alisma plantago-aquatica Common Water Plantain 29, Butomaceae Butomus umbellatus Flowering Rush 29, Juncaceae Rush family Juncus effsus Soft Rush 27,

© Naturetrek April 17 25

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

Lemnaceae Lemna minor Common Duckweed 29, Liliaceae Lily family Allium flavum Yellow Onion 30, Allium melanantherum 31, Veratrum album False White Helleborine 30, 31, Orchidaceae Orchid family Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid 29, 30, 31, Cephalanthera rubra Red Helleborine 30, Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine 01, Epipactis palustris Marsh Helleborine 31, Aegilops geniculata 29, Briza media Quaking Grass 31, Phragmites australis Common Reed 26, Sparganiaceae Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed 27, Typhaceae Typha domingensis 27,

BRYOPHYTES (Mosses & Liverworts)

Anomodon viticulosus Rambling Tail-moss 01, Calliergonella cuspidata Pointed Spear Moss 31, Philonotis fontana Fountain Apple-moss 31,

LICHENS Anaptychia ciliaris var ciliaris 02,

FUNGI Agaricus campestris Field Mushroom 27, Agrocybe arvalis 31, 01, Bovista plumbea Grey Puffball 27, 29, Conocybe lactea 02, Coprinellus disseminatus Crumble Caps 27, Dacrymyces stillatus Common Jellyspot 01, Fomes fomentarius Hoof Bracket 27, 29, Ganoderma austale Southern Artist's Bracket 31, Leccinum aurantiacum Aspen Orange Bolete (under Apen) 27, Lepiota alba 29, Macrolepiota procera Parasol Mushroom 29, Marasmius oreades Fairy Ring Champignon 26, 31, 01, Meripilus giganteus Giant Polypore 31, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus Cinnabar Polypore 31, Schizophyllum commune Split-gill 01, Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust 31, 02, Suillus granulatus Weeping Bolete 29, 31, Suillus grevillei Larch Bolete 01, Vascellum pratense Meadow Puffball 31, 01, Melampsora caprearum on Salix caprea 29, 31, Phragmidium violaceum on Rubus fruticosus agg 26, Ramularia rubella On Rumex acetosa 31, Rhytisma acerinum Tar-spot, on Acer pseudoplatanus 31, Septoria cornicola On Cornus sanguinea 26,

26 © Naturetrek April 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Dates recorded

Taphrina alni Alder-tongue Gall on Alnus glutinosa cones 01, Taphrina tosquinetii On Alnus glutinosa (leaves) 29,

Evacanthus interruptus - a plant-hopper species

Synanthedon flaviventris - Sallow Clearwing Moth

Thomisus onustus - a crab spider species

© Naturetrek April 17 27